Does 24 Sussex have bad Feng Shui?

I have to say I was relieved when I heard that Justin Trudeau the Prime Minister designate and his family would not be moving into the official Prime Minister’s residence, 24 Sussex, until it has been renovated. The cost of the repairs and renovation are estimated to be upwards of $10 million, this obviously has started a discussion on whether or not Canadian taxpayers should pay for these upgrades. From a Feng Shui standpoint the state of disrepair of 24 Sussex is not a good thing. In fact according to the tenets of this ancient practice the building’s structural issues could have a negative effect on the occupants. And considering one of the occupants makes some pretty important decisions for our nation (and that technically we as Canadians own the home) this negative effect, by extension, concerns all Canadians. I guess you could consider this my argument for why we should spend the money needed to either repair 24 Sussex.

Leaving the Feng Shui of the home’s layout aside (that can be another post) let’s review some of the repairs that were recommended in 2008 by the Auditor General and then again by the National Capital Commission in 2011. According to Feng Shui principles many of these issues have a direct link to health, wellbeing and prosperity. Here are some of the repairs cited by the Globe & Mail with their Feng Shui meaning in the case of 24 Sussex:

  1. Foundation issues: the foundation of a home is just, that a foundation. It should be solid and strong in order to build a strong future. Cracks indict family and career instability. The foundation is so important in Feng Shui that when building new homes we have several blessings that we do when foundation is poured to ensure the home will be healthy and prosperous. Cracks in the foundation = instability

  2. Asbestos: this is a no brainer, this is toxic and unhealthy. In Feng Shui walls and beams represents the skeletal system or a structural system. Asbestos in the walls = toxic infrastructure.

  3. Wiring and electrical: the electrical systems are apparently very outdated and potentially dangerous. In Feng Shui the electrical systems are related to the nervous system and anxiety. Electrical problems = nervousness, uncertainty and volatility.

  4. Leaky windows: Overall any leaks in a home are not good as it can mean weakened finances. Windows are also the eyes of the home. Leaking and malfunctioning windows = lack of foresight and loss of finances.

  5. Plumbing issues: Plumbing corresponds with the circulatory and digestive systems. Leaking pipes again can affect finances. A blocked drain or a plumbing back up symbolizes an inability to get past old and lingering difficulties. Bad plumbing = stuck in the past and weakened finances.

If that wasn’t enough of any argument to not live there you can add the history of the home. I will refrain from being partisan here but the plain fact of the matter is that for 10 years Stephen Harper lived in this home – his energy (ch’i) is deeply embedded in the building. That is great if you like his politics and leadership style… if not you will need to reset the energy. One great way to do that is to renovate, paint, new floors etc. A good space clearing wouldn’t go a miss either but I digress.

Let’s continue with the history of the home or in Feng Shui, the predecessor ch’i of home. 24 Sussex was built in 1868 by Joseph Merrill Currier who from all accounts was a pretty unlucky man when it came to family loss. He suffered a series of terrible tragedies, including the loss of three of his children and two of his wives. To be fair many of the incidents happened prior to 1868 before he moved in, but he still carried a great burden and sadness into the home. One last issue to mention is the traditional name of 24 Sussex. In Feng Shui names of streets and homes are very telling and important to the energy of the home. The traditional Welsh name of the home, Gorffwysfa which according to National Post reporter Tristin Hopper translates into the rather funerary “resting place”. Not the most uplifting and inspiring name for a home from which to lead a nation.

I truly believe renovating and updating the Prime Minister’s residence properly, ideally using sustainable, green and environmentally sound materials and systems, will be money well spent and would allow for a better Canada. There is also a discussion around tearing it down and starting fresh. But I feel, when possible, we should preserve our Canadian heritage homes. Yes, Justin Trudeau would be the first resident but these changes would benefit any future Prime Minister regardless of which party they are aligned with. Having a Prime Minister’s residence that is structurally sound and well-maintained is a good thing for all Canadians – don’t forget we own the building. This is a long term vision and an opportunity for Canada to showcase a truly innovative and improved 24 Sussex.